Wednesday, February 25, 2009

My most favorite A.W. Tozer book, "Waiting on God" comes to my mind often in times like this. It's not so much that we are waiting for Him to do something, because He is already working, its waiting for us to "find it" or "see it". So, that is what we are doing.I guess there was a recent national article or something that discussed those who are unemployed and happy. I'm not sure of the details, but I find that to be our case. We are enjoying this extra time as a family and really taking stalk of all we have. We see this as an opportunity to find something better. I know that before we know it, Spencer will be in a new job and we'll be working through the pains of change and missing these moments. In the meantime, the Lord provides.Our trip across the Midwest proved to be very fruitful. There are three job possibilities and one in particular seems like a perfect fit for Spencer's career desires and dreams. It's in Kansas City and of course would be a big move for us. We would be closer to all of his family and it's the "closest" possibility as we look to moving away from home.Today though, he had two interviews here in town and both went really well. We don't have offers, but there is the hope that there will be something worth staying in town for. How amazing to have all these options, especially as so many people in this country can't find work.For now, we wait and enjoy the simple life!

The girls were amazing on all the long drives through Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas.It melted our hearts when they would reach across the empty space to hold each others hand.I'm always telling them that they are best friends, what a beautiful moment!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

From the moment we prayed together after loosing his job, we have prayed the Lord would quickly open and close doors. He has faithfully led us on this journey and done just that.Now, we have done what we can do in Columbia and tomorrow we head onto Kansas City. I have a strange sense of anticipation. Maybe its knowing we'll be home after this next stop, or maybe because God is going to do something great. Because Columbia is less than 2 hrs away from KC there are signs everywhere on the freeways that say Kansas City. My heart almost skips a beat when I see them. I guess we'll see what happens!Spencer met with the companies here in town and he also checked out some options in person while dropping off his resume. So far the winner in town is a father/son tree business that does their job well. They have an incredible reputation with both customers and employees alike. They have a small town mentality of excellence which is great, but also means there is a lack of career growth potential for Spencer. This would probably be something he could do for a couple of years while looking for a city Forester job or something at the University in town (Forestry related). He was honest about that and they understood and still offered a position.There is also an accelerated Nursing program at MU that interests Spencer, but that would require a few more acts of God and at least one more year before he could walk through that door.Of course, we couldn't help but look at some houses while we were here and in the same neighborhood as Spencer's brother. Its nice to see what you can get for your money.So, that's what we have open here and we are grateful to have to opportunity to take the job if the Lord leads. We do feel a slight hesitation, not sure why, but hope our next stop will clarify.Tomorrow Spencer is going to go back to the first of the companies in KC and work with them a couple of hours. He felt like the company, the one he had a check in his spirit about, is worth saying no to, since there are other better options. We both hope to have enough time there to get some more questions answered before we come home.Spencer has been working on things in the Springs, but so far there are only temporary positions. One man he has worked with in the past has work for him next week. This is so encouraging for us. While he can't offer anything permanent, we are grateful for however the Lord sees fit to get us to the next step.Just under two years ago we were looking for a job in the Springs. After a time of great stress he got a job offer. As he was working on the details, another opportunity suddenly presented itself, and that became the perfect place at that time. Even though it didn't end as we had envisioned, it was no doubt a God send for when we needed it.So, I know anything can happen.With no phone and possibly no computer access at the next stop, it could be a little while before there is new news.We'll be home sometime this weekend. Home sweet home.

Monday, February 16, 2009

....Missouri that is. Well not really lost, just thankful and slightly overwhelmed with all the options before us. I know we haven't even begun exploring everything that is possible yet.Our time in Iowa was refreshing. Healing to the soul and spirit. We were well fed and found time to rest, though Spencer is ready for a vacation from all this job searching. He has been faithfully plugging along looking and applying for whatever might make sense.He had two interviews in Kansas City today. They both went well and he has job opportunities with both. The biggest concern is the amount of work that he would be committing to for however long the Lord would allow him to have the job. Both companies spoke of 10-12 hour work days 6 days of the week. A little more than an average family man cares to spend with his job. The first company though has lots of promise and Spencer felt a real connection. We'll go on to KC mid week and he will spend a day with one of the crews to get a closer perspective.Tomorrow he has hopes of meeting with two different Tree Care companies in Columbia, MO. One of them he has spoken with last fall and past employees have only very positive things to say about them.Another option that we've tossed around before is going back to school. Either a Master's in Forestry or doing a Nursing program. Both of course would require a great deal of sacrifice for a time, but there is no time like the present they say. Tyler has been doing research for us and there is an accelerated Nursing program at University of Missouri. In 15 months he could be done and most of the tuition could be covered if you promise to work for the University for a time after you complete your program. He might apply and just see what door opens or closes. Going back to school is in our plan D. We'll see if it moves up on the list depending if it really would make sense and be worth the sacrifice.Columbia has always been Spencer's first choice to live because his brother Tyler lives here and this is where he spent part of his childhood. I have always been very quick to shut down that idea, but as I come here with an open heart I find myself more receptive to it. Like any place, if I have my husband and my girls, I can go anywhere.We've made a pros and cons list of all the possibilities and no place is perfect and no place would be horrible. It makes us confident that the Lord will truly show us what is next and best for everyone.Oddly enough, there are several houses for sale within walking and viewing distance of Tyler and Noelle's. Of course, Jeff and Brady live next door. We could just start a commune!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Well, we are in Iowa faced with a new adventure we never saw coming! Spencer lost his job on Friday; no reason, no warning. With time on our hands and no job to worry about, we decided to head out and find all the opportunities we could find. So, we left the Springs to see family and find out what the Lord might have for us. The girls were amazing on the long 14 hour drive. We left early Sunday morning and stopped as little as possible. At the breakfast break my wallet fell off the car and we didn't realize it until the lunch stop almost 5 hours later! I freaked out, but Spencer kept his cool. Of course, the Lord had already taken care of it and an older couple were trying to contact us so they could mail it back. I just got it today with all my money and items safe and sound. The Lord is so faithful.The girls are loving playing with their cousins and getting lots of kisses from Grammy and Papau. Payge loves the clock in their family room and is obsessed with hearing it chime every 15 minutes. Who knows why, but it is really cute. Haydee has been fussy with a slight ear infection, but is sleeping well through the night. Finally! Spencer spends his days emailing, calling companies and filling out applications.This really has been an awesome time that is bringing our family and marriage closer together. I know we will look back and see how God worked out His perfect plan. I am looking forward to it unfolding, even if its not my first choice.Until the next bend in the road....